“Where Do We Turn in Desperation? – The Danger and Cost of Ignoring God”
When life becomes overwhelming and fear grips our hearts, where do we turn? Do we seek comfort in the presence of God, trusting in His promises, or do we lean on worldly solutions that only provide temporary relief? This message examines the contrast between two pivotal biblical passages—Luke 6:17-26, where Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, and 1 Samuel 28:1-25, where Saul, in desperation, seeks guidance from a forbidden source.
In Luke 6:17-26, Jesus delivers a radical teaching that challenges the world’s understanding of blessing. He declares that true blessing comes not from wealth, comfort, or approval, but from reliance on God. The poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those persecuted for righteousness will receive eternal rewards in God’s kingdom. In contrast, those who trust in their riches, satisfaction, and reputation will find themselves spiritually empty. Jesus turns society’s values upside down, showing that our faithfulness to God is more important than worldly success.
In stark contrast, 1 Samuel 28:1-25 gives us a chilling example of what happens when someone abandons faith in God in a time of desperation. Saul, once chosen by God, now finds himself alone, afraid, and without divine guidance. Instead of repenting and seeking God, he turns to a medium—someone who practices occult rituals, something strictly forbidden by God. His decision to consult a spiritist rather than trust in the Lord ultimately seals his fate. The message is clear: turning to the wrong sources in times of crisis leads to spiritual destruction. Saul’s story serves as a dire warning about the danger and cost of ignoring God.
These two passages challenge us to examine our own hearts. When we face trials, do we stand firm in our faith, seeking God’s wisdom and righteousness? Or do we allow fear and pressure to push us toward solutions that are void of God, against His will, or even in direct opposition to Him? Jesus calls us to hunger for righteousness, to mourn over the brokenness of this world, and to endure opposition with joy, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Him. On the other hand, Saul’s story reminds us that rejecting God’s guidance will leave us lost, desperate, and spiritually empty.
As Christians, we are called to embrace the Beatitudes, seek God in all circumstances, and trust in His wisdom, even when the world tempts us with quick fixes and easy answers. Healing, guidance, and true blessing come from God alone.

Challenge Statement:
Where do you turn when life gets difficult? Do you seek God’s wisdom, or do you rely on the world’s solutions that only offer temporary relief? The Beatitudes teach us that true blessing comes from surrendering to God, trusting in Him, and enduring trials with faith. Saul’s downfall warns us of the danger of ignoring God and seeking worldly answers in desperation. This week, challenge yourself to seek God first in all things—trusting in His plan, depending on His strength, and embracing the eternal rewards that come with faithful obedience.